Narator.co – In Ulu city, Siau Island, North Sulawesi, a leisurely walk can become a memorable journey through coastal scenery, local life, and the natural beauty of a remote island region.
Siau Island is one of the islands that make up the Siau, Tagulandang and Biaro Regency, known as Sitaro. Together with the Sangihe and Talaud island groups, Sitaro forms part of Nusa Utara, a cluster of islands scattered along Indonesia’s northern border with the Philippines.
At the heart of Ulu Siau is Ulu Siau Boulevard, a nearly one-kilometer stretch of road that has become part of the daily rhythm of the local community.
For travelers, it offers an easy way to slow down, take in the scenery, and experience a different side of island life.
One of its most recognizable landmarks is the large “Sitaro Masadada” sign, a popular spot for photographs overlooking the sea and several islands in the distance..
A View Framed by Two Mountains
One of the most striking features of Ulu Boulevard is its mountain scenery.
From the boulevard, visitors can see two prominent mountains rising across the landscape: Mount Karangetang, one of Indonesia’s active volcanoes, and Mount Tamata.
The combination of mountains, the sea, and the islands creates a landscape that feels uniquely Siau.
For visitors, the scenery is not simply something to look at. It becomes part of the experience of walking, jogging, taking photographs, or simply sitting and enjoying the atmosphere.
The “Sitaro Masadada” landmark provides an especially recognizable backdrop for visitors who want to capture their trip to Siau.
Where Local Life Meets Tourism
Ulu Boulevard is more than a scenic coastal road. It is also part of the daily rhythm of the community.
Several businesses and public facilities can be found around the area, including a bank, food stalls and restaurants, laundry services, and cafés.
The boulevard is also located close to Ulu Port, making it an important point of movement for residents and visitors arriving or departing from the area.
Several accommodation options can also be found nearby, giving tourists places to stay while exploring Siau and the surrounding islands.
With transportation, food, accommodation, and everyday services all within reach, Ulu offers travelers a convenient starting point for experiencing the local atmosphere rather than simply visiting a tourist attraction.
A Morning Walk Through Ulu Market
For travelers who want to experience local life, morning is perhaps the best time to explore the area. It is also a good time to catch the sunrise over the coastal landscape before the day fully unfolds.
I started my morning by taking a leisurely walk along Ulu Boulevard, where the first light of day gradually brightened the sky over the sea. As the sun rose, the surrounding islands and mountains slowly came into view, creating a quiet and scenic start to the day.
Along the way, I stopped to take photographs at the Sitaro Masadada landmark, a prominent feature along the boulevard, with the sea, morning sky, and mountainous landscape forming the background.
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From the boulevard, the walk continues toward Ulu Siau Market, which becomes busy in the morning. Traditional cakes, fresh fish, basic groceries, and other daily necessities are commonly seen in the market.
I continued my morning walk through the market, taking in the sights and sounds of everyday life.
The experience offered a different perspective of Siau—not only its scenery, but also the daily activities of the people who live there.
The experience was simple, but that is precisely what makes it interesting. In Ulu Siau, watching the sunrise, walking along the boulevard, and passing through the morning market can become a quiet way to begin the day while experiencing both the natural beauty and everyday life of the island.
Enjoying Siau After Sunset
The atmosphere around Ulu changes at night.
After spending time exploring the boulevard and market during the day, I returned to the area in the evening and had dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Before heading home, I also picked up some martabak, a sweet local cake, to take with me.
On my way home, I met a visitor who was exploring the beauty of the island. We talked briefly about the trip and what had brought the visitor to Siau.
The visitor shared a simple impression of the experience. “I’m having a great time. Siau has some really interesting natural attractions,” the visitor said.
The comment reflects one of Siau’s strongest attractions: its natural environment.
Visitors may not find the kind of entertainment associated with large cities, but Siau offers something different—an opportunity to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and experience nature and local life at a more relaxed pace.
Challenges and Opportunities for Travelers
Despite its potential, Ulu and the surrounding area still face challenges in developing tourism.
One of the challenges is access to activities on the water. Travelers cannot yet easily find boats at the port or along the boulevard that are available for rent or for short trips around the nearby waters.
Fortunately, travelers have another option. A local community of reliable tour guides can help visitors explore Siau and discover some of the island’s natural attractions. Their local knowledge can be especially valuable for first-time travelers who want to experience more of the island beyond what can be seen from the main road.
Getting around by land can also be a challenge for travelers unfamiliar with the area. Public transportation is limited, with ojek, or motorcycle taxis, being one of the more common ways to get around.
However, for first-time visitors, it may not always be obvious where to find or arrange an ojek. Having local guidance can make getting around the island much easier.
Weather can also be a consideration. During the windy season, strong waves may make activities at sea more difficult and require travelers to take extra precautions.
With the support of local tour guides, along with better access to small boats, organized coastal activities, reliable transportation options, and other tourism services, Ulu could offer an even richer experience for travelers while creating more opportunities for the local community.
Not a Big City, and That Is the Point
For travelers accustomed to major cities, Ulu Boulevard may initially seem modest. It does not offer large entertainment centers, extensive nightlife, or the busy urban atmosphere found in bigger destinations.
But Ulu does not need to compete with those places.
Its strength lies elsewhere.
The boulevard can serve as a pleasant route for a leisurely walk or morning jog, while the surrounding scenery provides a constant reminder that visitors are in an island environment.
The view of Mount Karangetang, Mount Tamata, the sea, and the islands creates a natural backdrop that changes throughout the day. Morning brings the energy of the market and local activities, while evening offers a quieter atmosphere for dining and enjoying the coastal surroundings.
For travelers looking for a slower experience, Ulu Boulevard provides a chance to simply walk, observe, take photographs, eat local food, and interact with the people of Siau.
A Simple Walk with a Memorable View
A walk along Ulu Siau Boulevard may not be an extraordinary adventure in the conventional sense. There are no massive attractions or elaborate entertainment facilities.
Instead, its appeal comes from the combination of mountains, sea, islands, local markets, food, and everyday community life.
Walking nearly one kilometer along the boulevard, stopping at the Sitaro Masadada landmark, continuing through the morning market, and returning for dinner in the evening can offer a surprisingly complete introduction to Ulu Siau.
For travelers exploring Indonesia’s northern border region, Ulu Boulevard is a place where the journey itself becomes part of the destination.
Here, a simple walk can bring together the landscape of an island, the presence of an active volcano, the rhythm of a traditional market, and the welcoming atmosphere of a small coastal community.
Ulu Siau may not be a big city—but for a leisurely walk surrounded by mountains, ocean, and islands, that is exactly what makes it worth experiencing.
